Why You Should Study Abroad at Least Once in Your Lifetime

I came here after working for one year in a company in Shanghai. At that time, I was like most university graduates: working from nine to five and from time to time pondering one question, WHAT NOW?

Yes, I graduated. Yes, I got a job. Yes, I am used to the working routine. But it seemed like my life would continue like that forever after the age of 22. “NO”. I made my decision to change something about it, I wanted an adventure. I wanted to experience something I had never experienced before. I went to New Zealand.

I had a little knowledge of New Zealand as a country before my arrival. Most of my stereotypical impression of a “western” country came from American and British TV series and movies. After some time in New Zealand, I realised Kiwis are into rugby and cricket, not football or basketball; hot dogs are not that prevalent here, instead people have a genuine passion for warm pies; not everyone has a religious belief, people choose whatever they want to believe and live harmoniously with each other; no matter where you are from, if you treat people with respect, you will have their respect. In a short time, I learned how a totally different society and culture functions and prospers on the other side of the planet.

Experience New Zealand culture

Living here, I learned to be independent thousands of miles away from home knowing nobody will come and do my dirty laundry after a tiring day on a field trip. I learned to overcome obstacles that I never imagined I could defeat and learned to enjoy life no matter what. The feelings, the tears and laughter, the memories and experience, are all real and sincere.

Fireworks display

I will never regret my choice of coming to New Zealand. Even though it is not perfect, I know I have learnt so many valuable things other than textbook knowledge. I have opened my eyes, mind and arms, I have embraced different cultures and met people from various ethnic backgrounds. And last but not least, I have realised my goal of becoming a more mature, more responsible and more open-minded person. To that, I would like to say: thank you, New Zealand. Kia ora, Aotearoa.

By Florenz Fang Chinese Masters Student

Updated 1 year ago

Florenz Fang has been living and studying in New Zealand for a year and a half, and is a masters student at the University of Canterbury. She came here mainly to further improve her English and academic skills. But also, and most importantly, to expand her horizons by being in an unfamiliar country by herself.

Related Stories

Tell us your story

By Florenz Fang Chinese Masters Student

Updated 1 year ago

Florenz Fang has been living and studying in New Zealand for a year and a half, and is a masters student at the University of Canterbury. She came here mainly to further improve her English and academic skills. But also, and most importantly, to expand her horizons by being in an unfamiliar country by herself.

Keep in touch. Don't miss out on the latest posts.

Sign up to receive the latest Blog updates

Please enter your details

Tell us your first name.

Tell us your last name.

Tell us your email.This is not a valid email.

Tell us your nationality.

I consent to Immigration New Zealand disclosing to Education
New Zealand the existence, status and outcome of any student visa
applications I submit, in adherence with Education New Zealand’s privacy policy which I have read
and understood.

I'd like to receive
useful information about studying in New Zealand.

{{errorMessage}}

You have been successfully subscribed for blog updates.

Stay in touch

Sign up here so we can make sure any tools or tips we send you about studying in New Zealand are
relevant and personalised especially for you.

Please complete all of the fields below.

Please enter a valid email address.

Please enter a first name.

Please enter a last name.

Please select a country.

By clicking subscribe you agree to our
privacy policy
and to receive our updates and communications.